Why I Love ... Chiwetel Ejiofor

While on the topic of Children of Men, which comes out on DVD today, I thought I'd pay homage to an actor I love: Chiwetel Ejiofor, who plays Luke. Though his character is technically a bad guy, Ejiofor's speech toward the end — delivered between rounds of bullets he aimlessly sprays out a window — makes me soften toward Luke, thinking maybe he's just trying to survive like everyone else.

There is something friendly and trustworthy about the British actor, who I first noticed in Love Actually as Peter, the husband of Keira Knightley's character. But it was when I saw Kinky Boots that I really fell in love. In the quirky comedy, Ejiofor plays drag queen Lola, who co-creates a line of supportive yet fabulous drag queen footwear. For more on why I love Ejiofor, read more

In a role that could have easily crossed over into caricature, Ejiofor keeps it real in Kinky, deftly alternating between Chaka Khan-esque diva and warm, smart businessman.

In addition to these films, Ejiofor's credits include Amistad, Inside Man, and Serenity. His sensitive demeanor might stem from a tragedy he experienced as a child: According to IMDB, the actor was in a car accident at age 11 with his father. He survived, but his father did not. Whatever the reason, I find this man mesmerizing. Thankfully, it looks like I'm not the only one with a Ejiofor crush: He has several more projects in the works. Until I can check those out, I'll watch Kinky Boots a few more times, and I suggest you do the same.

He's a great actor i feel in love with him in love actually and was amaze how great of an actor he was when i saw him as this mean tough guy in four brothers. I'm dying to see Kinky boots.
****"Everything in life is only for now."-Avenue Q****

He is SO brilliant. And gorgeous! I loved him in Melinda Melinda (even thought the movie was just OK.) Children of Men was amazing (in a depressing-post-apocalyptic-kind-of-way). And Kinky Boots was such a pleasant surprise. Loved it!